Why do people think the Wii U is an add-on for the Wii?

Since the Wii U's E3 2011 reveal people have been confusing the new console for an add-on for the Wii. And while Nintendo is certainly at fault for part of this, why do consumers have such a difficult time telling whether the Wii U is a new device but not with other items like Apple's iPhone line?

Nintendo only chose this name to try and trick casuals to buy the new consoles because they bought a Wii but the problem is they instead are going to think "Oh a new Wii, well I don't need an upgraded version because this one is working fine".

So Sony isn't guilty with the PS1, PS2, PS3 etc? I could understand some parents who aren't involved in gaming to not understand. But anyone who at least plays videogames shouldn't have any doubt that this is a brand new console.

They shouldn't have to give it a completely new name that bears no resemblance to the previous.

I think the big difference between the PS1,PS2, PS3 and the Wii, Wii U is funnily enough the number. Any idiot consumer can see its a successor. Problem with just adding a U and heavily advertising that it is a semi tablet like controller has created the image the U is just a new controller. It is a different situation (numbers are generally easier to recognise as successors by consumers especially when it is Playstation, Playstation 2, Playstation 3...)

well the Xperia was a handheld that could play crappy Sony games. But since it's primary purpose was a phone, I don't count that at all.

While the PSP had like 4 redesigns, I still don't think that counts as new hardware. It still plays the same games while only having a new feature here or there, but the core of the system is the same.

They're both banking off a name, however PS1/2/3 is a natural progression. Just like movie sequels.

The U in Wii U has no context. I don't even know what it stands for, and they've made no effort to inform the average consumer about it.

On top of that the commercials for this system do nothing whatsoever to indicate it is a new system, and if anything imply it's a cool add-on. I mean they have people using Wii-motes in the commercials, so what is the layman supposed to think? Just imagine Wii-Fit, it was an add-on. It's only natural to assume that Wii U follows that trend.

In reference to the PSV above...I think they consciously didn't want to use PSP2 because they want to differentiate this system from the mobile market. Given what we've seen on integration with the PS3, and most likely PS4, they are probably setting things up for the PSV to be something much more than a mobile platform.

Also Jinkies may have been implying that it's the 5th system that Sony has produced. PS1/2/3/PSP/Vita.

For one, Sony's history shows that the number indicates the newest system. On the other hand, Nintendo almost ALWAYS has a brand new name for their systems. more to the point, the Wii U hasn't been advertised as a new system; as iamsuperman points out, most of the marketing has been squarely focused on the controller, which would give the impression that it's just an upgrade, NOT a new system.

And Jinkies' example may not be likely, but it's still viable, since there HAVE been four models of handheld prior to the Vita.

What I find rather telling is that your responses completely ignore the other points- since you were obviously wrong- and instead focus on the rather insignificant point of the Vita's name and what it does or doesn't mean.

I can see how a parent who doesnt game, confuse this and think the Wii U is the tablet controller. the Wii U looks like the Wii, the games use the wiimote and they emphasis on the controller the most in the ads. Should of went with something different for a name honestly. Would of loved something with "Super" in the title.

I do not work at the store ,but i said to here that are not the good games for that console. But she said that here kid wants zombie U... I told here that she bought the wrong console but she refused to listen:P

its expected to happen right at the beginning but after some good advertisement things will be right...nintendo need to work on getting more of the message out that the wiiu is the only true next generation machine on the market with too much possibilities

Worse name ever even 3do sounds better and I don't like how they name the games example...zombie U, Super mario b U, Zelda U everything is U.......God of war 1,2,3 not gow-ps3 or halo 1,2,3,4 not halo360 big difference... Coming soon Grand theft auto drug dealer U